Airborne Hand-Carried Liquids
In the world of air travel, the rules and regulations for hand luggage can often be a source of frustration for passengers. However, there's some exciting news on the horizon that could make the travel experience a little more relaxed, especially for those who find the current liquid restrictions challenging.
Currently, the standard rule for liquids in hand luggage at airports is that each passenger may carry containers of liquids no larger than 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) each, and the total volume must fit within a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag generally up to 1 liter in capacity. This means travelers can bring multiple containers as long as none exceed 100 ml and all fit in the 1-liter bag.
Notable exceptions to this rule include items like baby food, breast milk, medications, and liquids for special diets, which often require documentation or additional screening.
However, these limits might soon change. The European Union is set to ditch the 100ml liquid limit for hand baggage following approval of new explosive detection screening technology by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in June 2025. This new tech, already installed in some airports, can safely scan larger liquid containers, meaning passengers might soon be allowed to carry liquid containers larger than 100ml in the EU.
The U.S. TSA has also hinted at a possible easing of its current 3.4-ounce (100ml) limit, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stating that TSA is reviewing the rules around liquids but has not yet announced concrete changes.
For one traveller, the potential change in rules is a welcome development. The speaker, who was recently seen sitting on a terrace, under an all-purpose umbrella, wearing a cardigan and with a pillow under their bottom, has a practical, space-saving, and relaxing hand luggage concept. Currently, they store their essentials like lipstick, hyaluronic cream, ibuprofen, and other small helpers in 100-ml bottles and tubes, a process that often involves emptying water bottles before security checkpoints, a task the speaker finds frustrating.
The high prices of bottled water in airport terminals are another frustration for this traveller, and the ability to take their own water bottle on flights would undoubtedly be a highlight for their next flight. In fact, the speaker expressed excitement about the potential of this change, noting that it would make the travel experience more convenient and less stressful.
While the exact changes to the liquid rules are yet to be confirmed, it's clear that the future of hand luggage could be set for some exciting developments. As always, travellers should check with their departure airport for the latest regulations before flying.
[1] BBC News, "EU to ditch hand luggage liquid limit," 12 June 2025, link [2] The Guardian, "Airport liquids rules: what you can and can't take in hand luggage," link [3] The Telegraph, "EU to scrap hand luggage liquid restrictions," 12 June 2025, link [4] CNN, "TSA reviewing rules around liquids in carry-on bags," 10 June 2025, link
- The European Union is planning to update the hand luggage rules for liquids, potentially allowing passengers to carry containers larger than 100 milliliters in the EU, due to the approval of new explosive detection screening technology by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in June 2025.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, the upcoming changes in air travel regulations may prove beneficial for travelers, as they may soon be able to bring bigger containers of their preferred personal care items, such as lipstick, hyaluronic cream, and ibuprofen, making the travel experience more convenient and less stressful.
